In 2006, a devastating incident occurred when Adrienne Shelly, a talented filmmaker, was tragically murdered by a construction worker who attempted to stage it as a suicide.

Her husband, Andy Ostroy, was left shattered by the loss.

A decade later, Ostroy describes the experience as ‘harrowing,’ reflecting on the pain and sorrow that has persisted over the years.

However, there has been a glimmer of light amidst the darkness as Shelly’s film “Waitress,” which she wrote and directed, has garnered renewed recognition with its transformation into a successful musical.

The production has recently been nominated for four Tony Awards, a moment that Ostroy believes would have made Adrienne immensely proud.

Before her untimely death at the age of 40, Shelly was in the final stages of completing her film “Waitress,” featuring actresses Keri Russell and Cheryl Hines.

The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, becoming a significant topic of conversation during that period, as noted by Ostroy.

The musical adaptation of “Waitress” debuted on April 24 to critical acclaim.

Ostroy, along with his daughter Sophie, who is now 12 years old, shared their experience of attending the show, emphasizing the importance of the production in preserving Adrienne’s legacy.

Reflecting on Shelly’s life, Ostroy recalled her initial uncertainties about motherhood but expressed how her love for Sophie, her daughter, transcended all doubts upon her birth.

Witnessing the profound bond between mother and child, Ostroy described how Adrienne’s fears dissipated, allowing her to embrace both her dreams and motherhood wholeheartedly.

Tragedy struck on November 1, 2006, when Shelly was fatally confronted by Diego Pillco, a 19-year-old construction worker, over a dispute involving money.

Pillco committed the heinous act in the apartment where Shelly worked, staging the scene to appear as a suicide by hanging.

He was subsequently sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole in 2008.

Devastated by the loss of his beloved wife, Ostroy channeled his grief into establishing The Adrienne Shelly Foundation, dedicated to supporting aspiring women filmmakers.

In the aftermath of Adrienne’s passing, Ostroy was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and inquiries regarding donations in her honor.

Through the foundation, he found solace in honoring Shelly’s memory by assisting fellow female filmmakers facing similar challenges in the industry.